In Sweden, coffee breaks are taken seriously—they even have a special word for it: fika. However, fika is much more than just a coffee break; it’s a cherished tradition perfected by the Swedes.

While there are no strict rules, a proper fika typically includes the following:
- Set aside time from work or your day, regardless of when or for how long.
- Choose a location, whether it's a coffee shop, café, your home, or a park.
- Invite a friend or loved one to join you.
- If you're not at a café or coffee shop, grab some coffee, preferably brewed from a drip machine.
- Don’t forget the kanelbulle, a delicious Swedish cinnamon bun.
- Savor, enjoy, and be present.

The most important aspect of fika isn’t the "who, what, where," but the quality time spent bonding with excellent company and leaving everyday stress behind. Enjoy the moment and be present. Fika can also be spontaneous and done alone; just make sure to slow down and savor the experience.

In Swedish culture, "fika" can be used as both a noun and a verb. Businesses have found fika to have a therapeutic effect on workers, to the extent that many companies include fika breaks in employee contracts.

Coffee is quite popular in Sweden, with the average Swede drinking about four cups a day. Sweden ranks third in the world for coffee consumption, behind Finland and Norway. Swedes don’t drink coffee just for the caffeine; they drink it to enhance their daily and social lives.

So, forget any rules. Simply grab a cup of coffee and a sweet treat, then sit and catch up with a loved one or enjoy some alone time.

Let us know how you fika in the comments.